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Recognizing the Unseen: Supporting Male Carers in Staffordshire

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thousands of people in Staffordshire are providing unpaid care or support to a family member or friend, many of whom are men. Caring can be a challenging and often invisible role, with research showing that men are less likely to consider themselves carers and seek the help they need. Paul Challinor, a male carer from Hilderstone, is urging his fellow male carers to reach out and seek the support available, as part of National Carer's Week from June 9 to 6.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thousands of people in Staffordshire are providing unpaid care or support, with many being men who often feel guilty about asking for help.
  • Research shows that men are far less likely to recognize themselves as carers and seek the help they need, with only a quarter of carers in Staffordshire reaching out for support.
  • 56% of male carers aged 18-64 report that being a carer has had a negative impact on their mental health, with their overall health being described as fair or poor.
  • Staffordshire County Council has teamed up with Together for Carers Staffordshire to provide carers with practical support, including advice on work and caring, benefits, and access to an assessment tool.
  • Anyone looking after someone with physical or mental health needs, either long-term or occasionally, is considered an unpaid carer, and can access support from Staffordshire County Council.

Statistics:

  • 42% of the UK's unpaid carers are male.
  • 25% of carers in Staffordshire identify as carers but do not reach out for support.
  • 56% of male carers aged 18-64 report that being a carer has had a negative impact on their mental health.
  • 90% of male carers in Staffordshire do not get the support they need, despite exceeding 40% of total carers.

Sources:

  • "[Name] from Hilderstone, has been caring for his father, who has dementia and other health conditions, for more than 10 years."
  • "Staffordshire County Council has teamed up with Together for Carers Staffordshire to provide carers with practical support to help them to live happier, healthier and more independent lives."
  • Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council: "We have a huge army of dedicated unpaid carers in Staffordshire..."

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